Standing on Command: Both for Obedience AND Trick Training
It never once occurred to me to train my dog to stand on command. It kind of surprised me that people train this. But it’s actually super easy and comes in handy throughout daily life with your dog. If you want to train stand, keep reading.
Why should I train my dog to stand on command?
The stand command is basically getting your dog to stand up on all four paws on command. This can be beneficial in everyday life and in trick training. I like to use the stand command for:
- Any time I need to clean Ezra’s paws or hind legs.
- It can be a helpful skill during a visit with the groomer or vet.
- Any time someone would like to spend time with Ezra and pet him, but can’t readily bend over.
- Probably my proudest moment: obtaining our AKC Novice Dog Trick Title! We used it as one of our handler’s choice options.
- Super easy to train – it’s just one step.
How to train your dog to stand on command.
This skill is pretty basic to train, but I recommend training a solid sit first. All you need to train this skill is a sitting, hungry dog, and some treats. I converted meal time to training time and used kibble as a training treat.
First, start by getting your dog into a sitting position. Then put your hand into a fist. You are NOT going to punch your dog, but you are going to do a similar motion that will force him into a standing position. Next, say the word “stand” and right after you do, move your fist into a quick downward motion towards your dog’s chest. Don’t actually touch him, but do it nearby. This will force your dog to pop up from his sitting position. Praise and reward him with a treat.
If your dog isn’t popping up into a stand, you are probably not:
- Moving your fist fast enough, or
- Close enough to your dog.
Try it again until you get the right rhythm down that your dog is popping up into a stand when you make this motion. Then keep practicing until your dog seems to get it. At that point, try to fade the fist motion. He may be confused at first, and that’s OK. Give him some time to think.
If he is confused a couple times in a row, go back to doing the fist motion but make smaller changes to help support fading it by:
- Waiting 1-2 seconds between saying the command and making the fist motion, and
- Making the fist motion less pronounced. For example, begin the fist motion, but don’t move your hand as far or as fast.
Then keep practicing it, slowly fading the motion more and more. Over time, your dog will be able to pop up into a stand on command.
Conclusion
This is a pretty easy skill that does not require any specific treats or equipment. It also doesn’t require super technical skills. All you need to do is:
- Sit your dog.
- Then say the command “stand” and make a quick, downward motion with your fist. Move your fist towards your dog but don’t actually touch him.
- When he pops into a stand, praise and reward him.
- Keep practicing.
How do you like to use stand in everyday life? Comment and let me know!
